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Roll for Love #2
Charisma Check
Hatred is complicated, clothing is simple—Edward doesn’t need a man, and he certainly doesn’t need cosplayer and tattoo artist, Izzy Montes, AKA The Masked Gentleman, Edward’s ultimate nemesis.
Edward and Izzy have been antagonising each other for over three years. Their rivalry is fierce, and Edward is determined to keep Izzy at arm’s length. Which would be all well and good... if they weren’t engaging in a secret, heated hook-ups.
Forced to appear together at a film premier in LA, Edward is determined to get in and out with minimal damage to his reputation... and his heart. But Izzy Montes proves to be a complication Edward couldn’t have predicted. Biting, funny, and charming in equal measure, he’s the one man Edward needs to loathe.
He’s also the one man Edward can’t get out of his mind.
Not that Izzy plans on letting him.
Charisma Check is a 80,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring comic conventions, snark, many costume changes, and only one bed. It is book two in the Roll for Love series and should be read as part of the series.
Edward and Izzy have been antagonising each other for over three years. Their rivalry is fierce, and Edward is determined to keep Izzy at arm’s length. Which would be all well and good... if they weren’t engaging in a secret, heated hook-ups.
Forced to appear together at a film premier in LA, Edward is determined to get in and out with minimal damage to his reputation... and his heart. But Izzy Montes proves to be a complication Edward couldn’t have predicted. Biting, funny, and charming in equal measure, he’s the one man Edward needs to loathe.
He’s also the one man Edward can’t get out of his mind.
Not that Izzy plans on letting him.
Charisma Check is a 80,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring comic conventions, snark, many costume changes, and only one bed. It is book two in the Roll for Love series and should be read as part of the series.
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2021
About the author
Charlie Novak
74 books654 followersCharlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
August 3, 2023
Loved this book! It was so good. I really liked how the time/setting kept jumping to different comic cons. I actually know nothing about comic cons or cosplay but I still really enjoyed this a lot.
There was even a scene where Edward teaches Izzy to embroider, and they embroider together - so actually I would like to give this six stars.
There was even a scene where Edward teaches Izzy to embroider, and they embroider together - so actually I would like to give this six stars.
July 11, 2023
We got a hint of what Edward's romance with The Masked Gentleman was going to be in Natural Twenty, and I've been excited to read it ever since.
Edward and Izzy get off on the wrong foot, but their paths keep crossing and their antagonism with it. They're both cosplayers so they run in similar circles. But when the they end up cosplaying a prominent gay couple from a book series being adapted for the big screen (not planned), it's a big hit. Suddenly they have to spend even more time together, even travelling across the pond to comic con which gave us such a cute airplane scene.
However, they've already got a head start on the 'lovers' part of their enemies-to-lovers romance, as even their less than ideal meeting couldn't deny their chemistry or stop them from hooking-up. Now, if only they could stop their bickering to see what's right in front of their faces.
Edward and Izzy get off on the wrong foot, but their paths keep crossing and their antagonism with it. They're both cosplayers so they run in similar circles. But when the they end up cosplaying a prominent gay couple from a book series being adapted for the big screen (not planned), it's a big hit. Suddenly they have to spend even more time together, even travelling across the pond to comic con which gave us such a cute airplane scene.
However, they've already got a head start on the 'lovers' part of their enemies-to-lovers romance, as even their less than ideal meeting couldn't deny their chemistry or stop them from hooking-up. Now, if only they could stop their bickering to see what's right in front of their faces.
February 20, 2021
Reread via audio November 2021
4.75
This may just be the best enemies to lovers I've ever read. So often, enemies to lovers has characters who hate each other for a hot minute, then go to being in love dramatically and unrealistically fast. That's not the case with this one.
Edward is a cosplayer and he's sarcastic and a bit if an asshole. He shuts off his emotions and can come across as cold and mean, which is exactly what happened when he first met Izzy. Izzy cosplays in his spare time because his little brother loved it. He's a tattoo artist when he isnt cosplaying and is gruff but ultimately a teddy bear. For reasons, he gets all prickly around Edward. They hate each other. Literally. Like believable hatred for each other and with dual POVs you actually may hate each of them too. They're never cruel though, which is a fine line that often gets crossed in enemies to lovers tropes.
Anyway, they essentially have hate sex on and off for months, whenever they see each other at comic cons. Sure does suck for them that they happen to cosplay a famous fantasy movie couple and end up pushed together more often than not. Over the course of a few years? I think, they go from hate sex to fuck buddies to friends with benefits to lovers. While at times it was slow, the gradual progression was more understandable.
I really love the setting of this series and it's delightfully nerdy. Lots of cosplay (obviously) and dungeons and dragons. We get glimpses of Jay and Leo from Natural Twenty and that brought me joy. I'm really excited for the 3rd book in this series and already waiting for the day this comes out as audio and paperback so I can buy both.
Rep: gay MC, pansexual MC, a whole host of queer side characters
CW: death of a sibling (off page), explicit sex, minor mention of homophobic remarks in the medium of social media, off pages mention of cheating in side characters.
4.75
This may just be the best enemies to lovers I've ever read. So often, enemies to lovers has characters who hate each other for a hot minute, then go to being in love dramatically and unrealistically fast. That's not the case with this one.
Edward is a cosplayer and he's sarcastic and a bit if an asshole. He shuts off his emotions and can come across as cold and mean, which is exactly what happened when he first met Izzy. Izzy cosplays in his spare time because his little brother loved it. He's a tattoo artist when he isnt cosplaying and is gruff but ultimately a teddy bear. For reasons, he gets all prickly around Edward. They hate each other. Literally. Like believable hatred for each other and with dual POVs you actually may hate each of them too. They're never cruel though, which is a fine line that often gets crossed in enemies to lovers tropes.
Anyway, they essentially have hate sex on and off for months, whenever they see each other at comic cons. Sure does suck for them that they happen to cosplay a famous fantasy movie couple and end up pushed together more often than not. Over the course of a few years? I think, they go from hate sex to fuck buddies to friends with benefits to lovers. While at times it was slow, the gradual progression was more understandable.
I really love the setting of this series and it's delightfully nerdy. Lots of cosplay (obviously) and dungeons and dragons. We get glimpses of Jay and Leo from Natural Twenty and that brought me joy. I'm really excited for the 3rd book in this series and already waiting for the day this comes out as audio and paperback so I can buy both.
Rep: gay MC, pansexual MC, a whole host of queer side characters
CW: death of a sibling (off page), explicit sex, minor mention of homophobic remarks in the medium of social media, off pages mention of cheating in side characters.
March 22, 2022
Another brilliantly done geeky romance
I find cosplay utterly fascinating, there are some amazingly creative people out there crafting the most amazing costumes inspired by all manner of different entertainment fields.
This book, focusing as it does on the rivalry between two such people, was a delightful marriage of steaming hot sex, bitingly funny sarcasm and all-round accidentally falling in love.
With a side order of geeky Comic Con goodness and a flirtation with Hollywood, I loved everything about Edward and Izzy's romance.
I find cosplay utterly fascinating, there are some amazingly creative people out there crafting the most amazing costumes inspired by all manner of different entertainment fields.
This book, focusing as it does on the rivalry between two such people, was a delightful marriage of steaming hot sex, bitingly funny sarcasm and all-round accidentally falling in love.
With a side order of geeky Comic Con goodness and a flirtation with Hollywood, I loved everything about Edward and Izzy's romance.
Did Not Finish
July 4, 2022DNF @ 7%. No rating.
There was a strong rom-com vibe with this one, which isn't my thing. It's mostly my fault because the summary practically screams rom-com and I should have known it wouldn't be for me, but I was excited about the enemies-to-lovers aspect and the inclusion of fannish stuff. Unfortunately, the characters had zero chemistry and the enemies aspect was forced and felt over dramatized. Everything matches what the rom-com subgenre usually provides so it's a me thing.
There was a strong rom-com vibe with this one, which isn't my thing. It's mostly my fault because the summary practically screams rom-com and I should have known it wouldn't be for me, but I was excited about the enemies-to-lovers aspect and the inclusion of fannish stuff. Unfortunately, the characters had zero chemistry and the enemies aspect was forced and felt over dramatized. Everything matches what the rom-com subgenre usually provides so it's a me thing.
February 2, 2021
DNF @ ~50%
I really tried with this one, y'all.... TBH, I had a feeling this one wouldn't work for me. I didn't enjoy the first book, nor did I feel particularly interested in the concept of this one, so it already was fighting an uphill battle. And then I found Edward completely unlikable, and the characterization of Izzy felt super inconsistent. I wasn't interested in them together, wasn't interested in Edward period, and the sex seemed really forced. I love enemies to lover, but I'm picky about it, and this didn't hit the spot.
I really tried with this one, y'all.... TBH, I had a feeling this one wouldn't work for me. I didn't enjoy the first book, nor did I feel particularly interested in the concept of this one, so it already was fighting an uphill battle. And then I found Edward completely unlikable, and the characterization of Izzy felt super inconsistent. I wasn't interested in them together, wasn't interested in Edward period, and the sex seemed really forced. I love enemies to lover, but I'm picky about it, and this didn't hit the spot.
November 21, 2023
Cute fluffy romance with low drama and nerdy content.
January 21, 2021
Charisma Check by Charlie Novak was such a fun read!
-Enemies to lovers
-Low angst
-Cosplay
-Smoking hot chemistry
-Awesome side characters (we catch up with Jay & Leo)
-Great relationship development- the transition from hate sex, casual, to serious.
I'm looking forward to book 3 in the series!
-Enemies to lovers
-Low angst
-Cosplay
-Smoking hot chemistry
-Awesome side characters (we catch up with Jay & Leo)
-Great relationship development- the transition from hate sex, casual, to serious.
I'm looking forward to book 3 in the series!
July 20, 2021
I LOVE enemys to lovers so this book was perfect. It was hot and great chemistry.
October 27, 2026
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
In questo secondo volume della serie, i protagonisti sono Edward, il migliore amico di Jay, che abbiamo già conosciuto nel primo libro, e il suo arcinemico e rivale di cosplay, Izzy.
Il primo incontro fra i due è stato tutt’altro che idilliaco – per ragioni che vengono spiegate nel corso della storia – e questo segna il passo di tutte le successive interazioni fra loro, spostandoli verso un’ostilità condivisa pubblicamente che alimenta la loro tensione e sfocia in brevi sveltine rapide e turbolente dentro i bagni delle convention.
Edward e Izzy si odiano, ma l’attrazione e la dominazione li porta anche a cedere ogni volta, anche se ogni volta giurano che sarà l’ultima.
La loro passione per i costumi li fanno accostare a due personaggi fittizi e i due spesso sono costretti a posare per i fan, fingendosi affiatati e innamorati per finta… fino a quando la loro finzione non li porta direttamente a essere ospiti in costume per il lancio di un famosissimo film, nientemeno che a Los Angeles, alla prima visione mondiale.
Il viaggio insieme e il soggiorno condiviso li avvicina sempre più… e se non si strozzeranno nel sonno… è probabile che scoperanno parecchio!
Continua sul nostro blog!
In questo secondo volume della serie, i protagonisti sono Edward, il migliore amico di Jay, che abbiamo già conosciuto nel primo libro, e il suo arcinemico e rivale di cosplay, Izzy.
Il primo incontro fra i due è stato tutt’altro che idilliaco – per ragioni che vengono spiegate nel corso della storia – e questo segna il passo di tutte le successive interazioni fra loro, spostandoli verso un’ostilità condivisa pubblicamente che alimenta la loro tensione e sfocia in brevi sveltine rapide e turbolente dentro i bagni delle convention.
Edward e Izzy si odiano, ma l’attrazione e la dominazione li porta anche a cedere ogni volta, anche se ogni volta giurano che sarà l’ultima.
La loro passione per i costumi li fanno accostare a due personaggi fittizi e i due spesso sono costretti a posare per i fan, fingendosi affiatati e innamorati per finta… fino a quando la loro finzione non li porta direttamente a essere ospiti in costume per il lancio di un famosissimo film, nientemeno che a Los Angeles, alla prima visione mondiale.
Il viaggio insieme e il soggiorno condiviso li avvicina sempre più… e se non si strozzeranno nel sonno… è probabile che scoperanno parecchio!
Continua sul nostro blog!
September 11, 2023
I loved this - this had me want to cosplay. Edward and Izzy were fun characters and I was invested in their initial animosity and the slow development of their feelings. I liked the costume creation part of the cosplay and their D&D games. Edward was such a strong character from book 1, I couldn’t wait for his story and it didn’t disappoint. I like how Edward is snarky without being cringey OTT with it, and he isn’t constantly ’on’, he is like a real person rather than a cartoon figure. This is a cute, low angst, easy read in a lovely British setting and I really enjoyed it.
4.5 🌟
4.5 🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recensione di Marika per Marika.bookblogger
Edward è un noto cosplayer che è riuscito a conquistare fan in tutto il mondo, grazie alle sue meravigliose creazioni sartoriali. I personaggi che interpreta sono sempre favolosi e iconici, proprio come lui. Partecipare a Comic Con ed eventi è sempre una grande gioia, così come incontrare i suoi ammiratori e scattare selfie nei panni di qualche protagonista di cui ha abilmente creato il look. Come lui, però, vi è pieno il mondo, o nello specifico, il Regno Unito. Il suo più grande e acerrimo nemico è Izzy, in arte The Masked Gentleman, che detesta con tutto il cuore, sin dal loro primissimo incontro avvenuto tre anni prima al Comic Con di Londra. Il sentimento è reciproco e ogni incontro tra i due cosplayer è caratterizzato da frecciate velenose e battute al vetriolo. Ma c’è altro oltre l'odio: una sintonia fisica che brucia ed è impossibile da reprimere. Izzy ed Edward, da sempre nemici giurati, che non sopportano nemmeno di condividere la stessa aria, si trovano a partecipare insieme a un evento esclusivo a Los Angeles per la première di un famosissimo film. Non solo il karma ha deciso di far incontrare ancora e ancora le loro strade, ma anche di far sì che condividano il letto per la durata della permanenza nella grande città americana. Tra folli viaggi, cambi d'abito e incontri che lasciano il segno, i due uomini inizieranno a capire quanto sottile sia il confine tra odio e amore. Edward non ha nessuna intenzione di continuare a pensare all'unico uomo che detesta con ogni fibra del suo essere, ma Izzy farà in modo che ciò non accada...
Sin da quando ho letto il primo volume autoconclusivo di questa serie, scritta da Charlie Novak, dal titolo Venti naturale, desideravo ardentemente avere fra le mani questo secondo capitolo, per scoprire la storia di Edward e Izzy. Naturalmente, tutte le mie aspettative sono state ben più che soddisfatte, perciò tutta l'attesa è valsa decisamente la pena. Leggere Prova di Carisma è stato per me come tornare a casa, tanto mi erano mancati anche i protagonisti del libro precedente. Mi ero affezionata profondamente a Jay e Leo e ritrovarli qui è stata una vera gioia. Anche per Edward provavo già un forte affetto, ma l’addentrarmi nella storia a lui dedicata me lo ha fatto amare profondamente. Ho adorato tantissimo anche Izzy, impossibile non entrare subito in empatia con entrambi e affezionarsi. Ho praticamente letto l'intero romanzo con un enorme sorriso stampato sul volto. Sono moltissime le scene in cui vi faranno divertire con i loro battibecchi, per poi incendiare le pagine con la passione e la forte chimica che scorre fra loro. La penna di Charlie Novak è decisamente piacevole, leggera e scorrevole. Il ritmo è incalzante e lineare, non ci sono momenti di stallo; il lettore non vede l'ora di scorrere nei vari capitoli per assistere a ogni nuovo incontro fra i protagonisti e trascorrere il tempo insieme. La scrittura di Novak è resa benissimo dalla traduzione italiana a cura di Mary Vitrano, che ha abilmente e magistralmente riprodotto lo stile di Charlie Novak. Una volta iniziata la lettura, non avrei voluto posare il Kindle per nessuna ragione al mondo. Infatti, la narrazione procede in maniera coinvolgente e appassionante, anche grazie al doppio punto di vista, che consente al lettore di conoscere i pensieri e i sentimenti di entrambi i protagonisti. Ho trovato Prova di Carisma una storia perfettamente bilanciata ed equilibrata in ogni sua parte. L'autrice permette al lettore di seguire in maniera graduale lo sviluppo e la crescita dei sentimenti, nonché della relazione, tra Izzy ed Edward, rendendolo partecipe di ogni loro momento. Insieme sono semplicemente perfetti, due opposti che si attraggono e si completano proprio come se fossero i pezzi di un puzzle. Sono riuscita a percepire benissimo il sentimento che sboccia a piccoli passi nei loro cuori, infatti mi sono emozionata e sciolta per la loro tenerezza. Quanto li ho amati entrambi! Mi hanno fatto emozionare tanto, tant'è che, giunta alla fine, non avrei voluto separarmi da loro, ma trascorrere ancora del tempo insieme. Inoltre, è stato molto bello conoscere nuovi personaggi secondari che fanno da sfondo alla coppia protagonista, così come partecipare a nuove sessioni gioco di D&D. Tra i personaggi secondari che qui appaiono, ho adorato Lewis, manager di Edward, di cui desidero moltissimo conoscere la storia e perché no? Magari vedere come troverà finalmente anche lui la sua anima gemella... Io attendo trepidante e molto curiosa! Pur essendo Prova di Carisma un Male to Male autoconclusivo, è comunque consigliata la lettura in ordine di pubblicazione, per conoscere meglio le dinamiche e i retroscena di questo romanzo unico e irriverente. È perfetto se siete alla ricerca di una storia d'amore fra due uomini intensa e frizzante, ricca di battute pungenti ma anche dolcezza, nonché tanta chimica e tensione sessuale, che sfociano in momenti carichi di pathos. Ideale per chi non può rinunciare agli M/M con due Enemies with Benefits to Lovers, tante avventure emozionanti, sfide divertenti e momenti romantici. Mentre io attendo che arrivi il successivo capitolo della serie Rolls for Love di Charlie Novak, vi consiglio assolutamente - se ancora non lo avete letto - di recuperare Venti Naturale e, subito dopo, di perdervi in Prova di Carisma. Non ho alcun dubbio sul fatto che Edward e Izzy vi conquisteranno!
Per me sono 5 stelle!
Ringraziamo Charlie Novak e Mary Vitrano per la copia arc.
Edward è un noto cosplayer che è riuscito a conquistare fan in tutto il mondo, grazie alle sue meravigliose creazioni sartoriali. I personaggi che interpreta sono sempre favolosi e iconici, proprio come lui. Partecipare a Comic Con ed eventi è sempre una grande gioia, così come incontrare i suoi ammiratori e scattare selfie nei panni di qualche protagonista di cui ha abilmente creato il look. Come lui, però, vi è pieno il mondo, o nello specifico, il Regno Unito. Il suo più grande e acerrimo nemico è Izzy, in arte The Masked Gentleman, che detesta con tutto il cuore, sin dal loro primissimo incontro avvenuto tre anni prima al Comic Con di Londra. Il sentimento è reciproco e ogni incontro tra i due cosplayer è caratterizzato da frecciate velenose e battute al vetriolo. Ma c’è altro oltre l'odio: una sintonia fisica che brucia ed è impossibile da reprimere. Izzy ed Edward, da sempre nemici giurati, che non sopportano nemmeno di condividere la stessa aria, si trovano a partecipare insieme a un evento esclusivo a Los Angeles per la première di un famosissimo film. Non solo il karma ha deciso di far incontrare ancora e ancora le loro strade, ma anche di far sì che condividano il letto per la durata della permanenza nella grande città americana. Tra folli viaggi, cambi d'abito e incontri che lasciano il segno, i due uomini inizieranno a capire quanto sottile sia il confine tra odio e amore. Edward non ha nessuna intenzione di continuare a pensare all'unico uomo che detesta con ogni fibra del suo essere, ma Izzy farà in modo che ciò non accada...
Sin da quando ho letto il primo volume autoconclusivo di questa serie, scritta da Charlie Novak, dal titolo Venti naturale, desideravo ardentemente avere fra le mani questo secondo capitolo, per scoprire la storia di Edward e Izzy. Naturalmente, tutte le mie aspettative sono state ben più che soddisfatte, perciò tutta l'attesa è valsa decisamente la pena. Leggere Prova di Carisma è stato per me come tornare a casa, tanto mi erano mancati anche i protagonisti del libro precedente. Mi ero affezionata profondamente a Jay e Leo e ritrovarli qui è stata una vera gioia. Anche per Edward provavo già un forte affetto, ma l’addentrarmi nella storia a lui dedicata me lo ha fatto amare profondamente. Ho adorato tantissimo anche Izzy, impossibile non entrare subito in empatia con entrambi e affezionarsi. Ho praticamente letto l'intero romanzo con un enorme sorriso stampato sul volto. Sono moltissime le scene in cui vi faranno divertire con i loro battibecchi, per poi incendiare le pagine con la passione e la forte chimica che scorre fra loro. La penna di Charlie Novak è decisamente piacevole, leggera e scorrevole. Il ritmo è incalzante e lineare, non ci sono momenti di stallo; il lettore non vede l'ora di scorrere nei vari capitoli per assistere a ogni nuovo incontro fra i protagonisti e trascorrere il tempo insieme. La scrittura di Novak è resa benissimo dalla traduzione italiana a cura di Mary Vitrano, che ha abilmente e magistralmente riprodotto lo stile di Charlie Novak. Una volta iniziata la lettura, non avrei voluto posare il Kindle per nessuna ragione al mondo. Infatti, la narrazione procede in maniera coinvolgente e appassionante, anche grazie al doppio punto di vista, che consente al lettore di conoscere i pensieri e i sentimenti di entrambi i protagonisti. Ho trovato Prova di Carisma una storia perfettamente bilanciata ed equilibrata in ogni sua parte. L'autrice permette al lettore di seguire in maniera graduale lo sviluppo e la crescita dei sentimenti, nonché della relazione, tra Izzy ed Edward, rendendolo partecipe di ogni loro momento. Insieme sono semplicemente perfetti, due opposti che si attraggono e si completano proprio come se fossero i pezzi di un puzzle. Sono riuscita a percepire benissimo il sentimento che sboccia a piccoli passi nei loro cuori, infatti mi sono emozionata e sciolta per la loro tenerezza. Quanto li ho amati entrambi! Mi hanno fatto emozionare tanto, tant'è che, giunta alla fine, non avrei voluto separarmi da loro, ma trascorrere ancora del tempo insieme. Inoltre, è stato molto bello conoscere nuovi personaggi secondari che fanno da sfondo alla coppia protagonista, così come partecipare a nuove sessioni gioco di D&D. Tra i personaggi secondari che qui appaiono, ho adorato Lewis, manager di Edward, di cui desidero moltissimo conoscere la storia e perché no? Magari vedere come troverà finalmente anche lui la sua anima gemella... Io attendo trepidante e molto curiosa! Pur essendo Prova di Carisma un Male to Male autoconclusivo, è comunque consigliata la lettura in ordine di pubblicazione, per conoscere meglio le dinamiche e i retroscena di questo romanzo unico e irriverente. È perfetto se siete alla ricerca di una storia d'amore fra due uomini intensa e frizzante, ricca di battute pungenti ma anche dolcezza, nonché tanta chimica e tensione sessuale, che sfociano in momenti carichi di pathos. Ideale per chi non può rinunciare agli M/M con due Enemies with Benefits to Lovers, tante avventure emozionanti, sfide divertenti e momenti romantici. Mentre io attendo che arrivi il successivo capitolo della serie Rolls for Love di Charlie Novak, vi consiglio assolutamente - se ancora non lo avete letto - di recuperare Venti Naturale e, subito dopo, di perdervi in Prova di Carisma. Non ho alcun dubbio sul fatto che Edward e Izzy vi conquisteranno!
Per me sono 5 stelle!
Ringraziamo Charlie Novak e Mary Vitrano per la copia arc.
January 25, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This second installment in Charlie Novak’s Roll for Love series is all about Jay’s friend, Edward, and his cosplay career. This series is best read in order, as it relies on previously introduced characters who are integral in Edward’s life.
I am so glad I stuck with this series because in my opinion this second story is so much better than the previous one. Instead of characters going slightly off course as I felt Leo and Jay did in the first novel, Edward and Izzy remain true to how the author first introduces them. They gradually change both their attitudes toward each other and how they view the idea of relationships and commitment
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This second installment in Charlie Novak’s Roll for Love series is all about Jay’s friend, Edward, and his cosplay career. This series is best read in order, as it relies on previously introduced characters who are integral in Edward’s life.
I am so glad I stuck with this series because in my opinion this second story is so much better than the previous one. Instead of characters going slightly off course as I felt Leo and Jay did in the first novel, Edward and Izzy remain true to how the author first introduces them. They gradually change both their attitudes toward each other and how they view the idea of relationships and commitment
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
November 17, 2024
cosplayer sex friends to cosplayer lovers
rep : mlm
tw - toxic family
i listened to the audiobook on scribd (now everand)
the tension, the feelings, THE ACCENT !
oh i am so happy i familly got listened to this one. i listed to 1 and 3 back in may, but 2 wasn't available. thankfully it was uploaded a couple of months a go. i was time i listened to it! their cameos in book 3 had me hooked. and i'm not disappointed.
Charlie Novak is an author i love to read.
rep : mlm
tw - toxic family
i listened to the audiobook on scribd (now everand)
the tension, the feelings, THE ACCENT !
oh i am so happy i familly got listened to this one. i listed to 1 and 3 back in may, but 2 wasn't available. thankfully it was uploaded a couple of months a go. i was time i listened to it! their cameos in book 3 had me hooked. and i'm not disappointed.
Charlie Novak is an author i love to read.
January 17, 2021
This book was just as cute as the first. The characters were hot nerds, the story full with cosplays. Loved the hot and cold scenes between Izzy and Edward, the enemies to lovers trope was really well written. All the hot 'hate but not really hate' scenes, and the cute and sweet romantic scenes - just lovely.
My favorites are still the hot as hell erotic scenes that Charlie writes so well, full with emotions and with every details. Just perfect.
Izzy and Edward's story was great, but it isn't my favorite - they couldn't get close to me, I don't know why, but it is what it is. I enjoyed reading the book, but there were times when I was bored and just wanted it to end on a happy note. Anyway, it's a great book, and the enemies to lovers is really well written.
My favorites are still the hot as hell erotic scenes that Charlie writes so well, full with emotions and with every details. Just perfect.
Izzy and Edward's story was great, but it isn't my favorite - they couldn't get close to me, I don't know why, but it is what it is. I enjoyed reading the book, but there were times when I was bored and just wanted it to end on a happy note. Anyway, it's a great book, and the enemies to lovers is really well written.
March 26, 2023
A really good rivals to lovers story! Loved it❤️❤️ so snarky! Love the characters, their back story and their growth ❤️ and lots of delicious spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 8, 2024
4.25 🌟
January 29, 2021
If you've ever been to Comic Con you'll love this gay romance of two rival cosplayers and their love/hate relationship. This was fun with some great geeky moments of conventions, cosplaying, and game play. The development of Izzy and Edward's relationship was excellently handled without losing the edge that made them a couple.
Lovely to catch up with Leo and Jay again. And I'm curious if there is a book for Ksyden & Nate.
I'm interested to see how the next couple work out because there was no hint of a relationship between them here.
Lovely to catch up with Leo and Jay again. And I'm curious if there is a book for Ksyden & Nate.
I'm interested to see how the next couple work out because there was no hint of a relationship between them here.
January 24, 2021
*4.5*
Charisma Check is a brilliant follow up to Natural Twenty. I was eager to get to know Edward better with his slightly aloof attitude and work in cosplay. I was not anticipating the high level of sexual tension between him and Izzy after there first interaction went spectacularly badly.
This book is entertaining to read from the start. It's a whole new world of cosplay ad Edward and Izzy both take part at conventions. Then there is the whole hate thing they have going on for quite a while. I love the development of that aspect and how both men think and feel towards the other as we progress through the story. Each man has their own history and that shows you have no idea what's going on with someone you don't know and then the craziness that is social media gets a mention too, dealt with very well by the MC's, after the outrage and ranting, obviously. Considering their initial feelings towards each other and the constant banter that they share throughout the story, I couldn't imagine two more perfectly matched to each other.
It's great that we get to interact with Jay and Leo again and the group who partake in a litlle D&D action. We are also introduced to a couple of characters that I would love to know the story of..... I wonder if Kayden and Nate already have a book of their own?
Cannot recommend this book enough! Another beautifully written story from Charlie Novak and I'm in love with how England is portrayed, especially the complaints about the weather - too cold and wet in winter, too hot in a heatwave in summer :-)
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Charisma Check is a brilliant follow up to Natural Twenty. I was eager to get to know Edward better with his slightly aloof attitude and work in cosplay. I was not anticipating the high level of sexual tension between him and Izzy after there first interaction went spectacularly badly.
This book is entertaining to read from the start. It's a whole new world of cosplay ad Edward and Izzy both take part at conventions. Then there is the whole hate thing they have going on for quite a while. I love the development of that aspect and how both men think and feel towards the other as we progress through the story. Each man has their own history and that shows you have no idea what's going on with someone you don't know and then the craziness that is social media gets a mention too, dealt with very well by the MC's, after the outrage and ranting, obviously. Considering their initial feelings towards each other and the constant banter that they share throughout the story, I couldn't imagine two more perfectly matched to each other.
It's great that we get to interact with Jay and Leo again and the group who partake in a litlle D&D action. We are also introduced to a couple of characters that I would love to know the story of..... I wonder if Kayden and Nate already have a book of their own?
Cannot recommend this book enough! Another beautifully written story from Charlie Novak and I'm in love with how England is portrayed, especially the complaints about the weather - too cold and wet in winter, too hot in a heatwave in summer :-)
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
January 18, 2021
Loved This!
2
This book was so good!!! If you are a fan of enemies to lovers, then this is the book for you, it was done perfectly! Edward and Izzy loathe each other, their animosity is palpable, you can feel it radiating off the pages...yet something keeps drawing them together. That push and pull was written so well, I felt such a connection to both MCs right away. They were both such good guys, they just took a while to see that in each other. The character development was spot on, the dialogue and banter was fantastic, and I was rooting for them the entire time!
Let's talk a minute about the steam factor in the book...it was off the charts, smoking hot! There was even a little kink mixed in that worked perfectly with Edward and Izzy! You could feel their desire for each other right from the start, so well done!
I also really enjoyed the cosplay aspect and what draws them together. It was different and unique and, even though I know nothing about it, I was totally following along with it and got sucked into that world. Just a great book from beginning to end and I cannot wait for book 3...so excited to read Lewis' story!
2
This book was so good!!! If you are a fan of enemies to lovers, then this is the book for you, it was done perfectly! Edward and Izzy loathe each other, their animosity is palpable, you can feel it radiating off the pages...yet something keeps drawing them together. That push and pull was written so well, I felt such a connection to both MCs right away. They were both such good guys, they just took a while to see that in each other. The character development was spot on, the dialogue and banter was fantastic, and I was rooting for them the entire time!
Let's talk a minute about the steam factor in the book...it was off the charts, smoking hot! There was even a little kink mixed in that worked perfectly with Edward and Izzy! You could feel their desire for each other right from the start, so well done!
I also really enjoyed the cosplay aspect and what draws them together. It was different and unique and, even though I know nothing about it, I was totally following along with it and got sucked into that world. Just a great book from beginning to end and I cannot wait for book 3...so excited to read Lewis' story!
January 16, 2021
Another hit for Charlie Novak! So far I have never been disappointed by her writing style and great stories.
Edward was this intriguing and a bit mysterious character in Natural Twenty and it was obvious that there was something going on with his nemesis, another cosplayer named The Masked Gentleman.
And oh, was it funny to read what was really going on… despise-filled hook-ups in bathroom at conventions, a solid dose of snark and vitriol-laces remarks for three solid years, until they are forced to spend three days in closed proximity, which leads to them getting to know each other further than the hatred façade they always have on when they meet. This is when they start to thaw to each other and then there’s a sort of snowball effect from there.
I loved the banter, the book is fun and steamy and I loved how the characters don’t let go of their barbs even when they get together properly, that’s just how their relationship works.
Edward was this intriguing and a bit mysterious character in Natural Twenty and it was obvious that there was something going on with his nemesis, another cosplayer named The Masked Gentleman.
And oh, was it funny to read what was really going on… despise-filled hook-ups in bathroom at conventions, a solid dose of snark and vitriol-laces remarks for three solid years, until they are forced to spend three days in closed proximity, which leads to them getting to know each other further than the hatred façade they always have on when they meet. This is when they start to thaw to each other and then there’s a sort of snowball effect from there.
I loved the banter, the book is fun and steamy and I loved how the characters don’t let go of their barbs even when they get together properly, that’s just how their relationship works.
January 14, 2021
Rating : 4.5 stars
Cosplay with lots of snark!
This was such an enjoyable read. Two strong, sarcastic, funny and very likeable characters who loathe each other but still hook up a few times a year.
Edward was introduced in the first book and he’s still rather dramatic, aloof and in love with making cosplay costumes. Izzy is a tattoo artist with bite but can be very charming and enjoys cosplay as a hobby. They definitely did not have a meet cute but the hate fuelled hooks up begun there and then and continued for a few years.
It was interesting and fun watching the development of the characters as the relationship progressed and emotions came into play. The snark and humour had me laughing and I was smiling as that continued on even after they were no longer enemies. Edward and Izzy did manage to wrangle their way to an HEA without too much drama or angst but there was certainly plenty of heat and just a touch of kink.
I loved every moment of this very engaging and enjoyable book and look forward to the next in the series. I also would encourage reading the series in order to fully appreciate the experience.
Cosplay with lots of snark!
This was such an enjoyable read. Two strong, sarcastic, funny and very likeable characters who loathe each other but still hook up a few times a year.
Edward was introduced in the first book and he’s still rather dramatic, aloof and in love with making cosplay costumes. Izzy is a tattoo artist with bite but can be very charming and enjoys cosplay as a hobby. They definitely did not have a meet cute but the hate fuelled hooks up begun there and then and continued for a few years.
It was interesting and fun watching the development of the characters as the relationship progressed and emotions came into play. The snark and humour had me laughing and I was smiling as that continued on even after they were no longer enemies. Edward and Izzy did manage to wrangle their way to an HEA without too much drama or angst but there was certainly plenty of heat and just a touch of kink.
I loved every moment of this very engaging and enjoyable book and look forward to the next in the series. I also would encourage reading the series in order to fully appreciate the experience.
January 19, 2021
This book just made my geeky heart so very very happy!!! Enemies to lovers is such a fun trope and the author did a really good job with it. The reasons why Edward and Izzy disliked each other made sense and I loved how their relationship progressed and grew. The snarky dialogue was super entertaining and the setting was very interesting. I loved the Comic Con chapters. Also, the side story with the two movie stars was a very very nice addition. I hope we’ll get their story one day. I loved seeing Jay and Leo again and I just loved everything about this book. It was all I had hoped for when I found out Edward was getting his own book and I had the best time reading it.
I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
January 13, 2021
I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this!
Edward and Izzy and the hate scenes are a wonderful read. I loved seeing how they met, how their 'hate' built and then how love grew into a HEA! With snarkiness and hot scenes, found family and awesome costumes, this book has a great story and flow.
Was good to get so much interaction with previous book characters as well.
This could be read as a stand alone BUT it would be way better read as part of the series!
Edward and Izzy and the hate scenes are a wonderful read. I loved seeing how they met, how their 'hate' built and then how love grew into a HEA! With snarkiness and hot scenes, found family and awesome costumes, this book has a great story and flow.
Was good to get so much interaction with previous book characters as well.
This could be read as a stand alone BUT it would be way better read as part of the series!
January 19, 2021
Edward and Izzy had amazing chemistry in this enemies to lovers romance. The steamy scenes in this book were extra hot as you see there is a very thin line between love and hate. A perfect addition to this series!
October 27, 2026
Hihihihi they hate hook up, they banter so much, they are so in loooooove!!!
January 18, 2021
Charisma Check is the second book in the Roll for Love series by Charlie Novak. I loved the story of Edward and Izzy. Their story was funny, sexy, hot and very well written.
January 14, 2021
I loved Izzy and Edward! These two characters have been at odds since they met and time just seems to make their interactions even more intense. The only thing they seem to have in common is their loathing of each other...and their inability to keep their hands and mouths to themselves! Their insults and snarky comments seem to fuel the sexual tension that surrounds them when they are around each other in any way, and doesn't normally stop until someone's mouth is otherwise occupied and they can't speak anymore! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Another excellent book by Charlie Novak!
February 7, 2021
True rating ... 4.25 stars :-D!!
Edward and Izzy were absolutely adorable, the author navigated their snark, friendship, and love so wonderfully, and the pacing was spot-on! The HEA was wonderful too :-D!!! More thoughts to come!
This was fantastically written [there were some typos but they were easily ignored and certainly didn't impact the wonderfulness of the book] and the author did a WONDERFUL job with this one ... very highly recommended!! It turns out Edward wasn't even supposed to get a book, so I'm glad Edward got a book, and may the author have many more up her creative sleeve to come!
P.S. The sex scenes were on fucking FIRE! HOT HOT HOT! The author knocked it waaaaay out of the ballpark because fuuuuuuuuuuck were those scenes delicious! HOT HOT HOT HOT!! More!!!!
Also, while the author mentions that it would be best to read this as part of a series (and not as a standalone) and while it might be true for many, I actually read this one FIRST and thought that the author wrote this in such a terrific way that I never once felt "out of the loop" ... sure there were a few references and mild spoilers, but they NEVER hindered my progress and I NEVER viewed them as spoilers! I took the responsibility and made the decision for myself and found I utterly enjoyed this book as a "standalone" as well! The author did a really really good job here :-)!!
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Edward and Izzy were absolutely adorable, the author navigated their snark, friendship, and love so wonderfully, and the pacing was spot-on! The HEA was wonderful too :-D!!! More thoughts to come!
This was fantastically written [there were some typos but they were easily ignored and certainly didn't impact the wonderfulness of the book] and the author did a WONDERFUL job with this one ... very highly recommended!! It turns out Edward wasn't even supposed to get a book, so I'm glad Edward got a book, and may the author have many more up her creative sleeve to come!
P.S. The sex scenes were on fucking FIRE! HOT HOT HOT! The author knocked it waaaaay out of the ballpark because fuuuuuuuuuuck were those scenes delicious! HOT HOT HOT HOT!! More!!!!
Also, while the author mentions that it would be best to read this as part of a series (and not as a standalone) and while it might be true for many, I actually read this one FIRST and thought that the author wrote this in such a terrific way that I never once felt "out of the loop" ... sure there were a few references and mild spoilers, but they NEVER hindered my progress and I NEVER viewed them as spoilers! I took the responsibility and made the decision for myself and found I utterly enjoyed this book as a "standalone" as well! The author did a really really good job here :-)!!
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May 1, 2023
This is one of the best romances that I’ve read this year! It had a slow-burn, true enemies-to-lovers plot with cosplay rivals. The fact that both Edward and Izzy were petty assholes to each with snarky banter and hate sex thrown in?! I was living for them! I honestly loved Edward and Izzy and would read an entire series just about them and their cosplay adventures. The entire time I was reading this book I couldn’t help but be reminded of another set of characters. It took a while to figure out who exactly they reminded me of and when I did, it was so obvious. They gave me Legolas/Gimli vibes! And the second I had this realization I could not stop smiling, mostly because I could just imagine them in LOTR cosplay.
I loved that Edward and Izzy’s relationship was so slow to change. I was living for the petty comments and then for the way those comments changed into something softer and more teasing. I loved the fact that once Edward explained his relationship with Izzy to his best friend, he had this complete realization of just how in love he was. And I can’t forget the cosplay aspect! That was just so unique and unexpected as a backdrop for this romance to take place.
This was just such a fun read and I can’t recommend it enough! If you love nerdy romances, this is the series for you. Charisma Check is getting a solid five stars.
I loved that Edward and Izzy’s relationship was so slow to change. I was living for the petty comments and then for the way those comments changed into something softer and more teasing. I loved the fact that once Edward explained his relationship with Izzy to his best friend, he had this complete realization of just how in love he was. And I can’t forget the cosplay aspect! That was just so unique and unexpected as a backdrop for this romance to take place.
This was just such a fun read and I can’t recommend it enough! If you love nerdy romances, this is the series for you. Charisma Check is getting a solid five stars.
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